Sears reverses decision, Presque Isle store to remain open

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — A deal struck between Sears Holdings and the Aroostook Centre Mall means the Presque Isle retailer is remaining open, according to a statement released Thursday by Sears.

“The Sears store and Auto Center at the Aroostook Centre Mall in Presque Isle will now remain open to serve our members and customers,” Howard Riefs, Sears Holdings director of corporate communications, said in the emailed statement. “Sears and the mall property owner worked together and reached an agreement on the lease, which will enable Sears to continue operating the store.”

“Store closures are part of a series of actions we’re taking to reduce ongoing expenses, adjust our asset base and accelerate the transformation of our business model,” Riefs said in an email last Tuesday.

“We’re happy to report Sears associates employed at the store [now] will not be impacted,” Riefs said in Thursday’s release. “Sears looks forward to continuing to serve the northern Maine community.”

Patty Crooks, mall manager, was not available for comment Thursday.

Calls to the manager of the Presque Isle Sears store were not immediately returned.